Seventeen-year-old Indian para-swimmer Jiya Rai, who is on the autism spectrum, has made history as the first female to complete a solo swim across California’s Catalina Channel. Covering the 34-kilometer stretch in 15 hours, 1 minute, and 43 seconds, Rai began her swim just after midnight on September 25 from Catalina Island and reached the California coast near San Pedro the following day. She dedicated this remarkable accomplishment to raising awareness about autism.
Daughter of Indian Navy officer Madan Rai, MC-at-Arms II, Jiya has earned international acclaim for her feats in open-water swimming. Her previous achievements include setting a world record in 2024 by crossing the English Channel and successfully swimming the Palk Strait in 2022. Among her accolades are the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) Award in 2024, the National Award for Disabilities in 2023, and the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2024.
In 2023, Rai became the youngest and fastest para-swimmer to cross the English Channel solo, completing the swim in 17 hours and 25 minutes under the Channel Swimming Association’s strict regulations. The endeavor tested her against extreme conditions, including cold waters averaging 18°C, unpredictable weather, heavy shipping traffic, jellyfish stings, and a persistent risk of hypothermia. Notably, fewer than 1,700 individuals have completed the English Channel swim in the past century—fewer than those who have scaled Mount Everest.
Rai’s achievements are not only athletic milestones but also powerful platforms for advocacy. Each of her swims is dedicated to promoting autism awareness and highlighting the potential of differently-abled individuals. In recognition of her Catalina Channel swim, the week of July 21–28 has been observed as Autism Awareness Week, celebrating her extraordinary blend of athleticism and social activism. Her story continues to inspire young athletes worldwide, demonstrating resilience, determination, and the importance of inclusion.
